By Rich Anderson
June 18, 2007

The U.S. Conference of Mayors held the first round of its 2007 City Water Taste Test on June 6 in Washington (DC). The competition included city tap water samples from 93 cities. A preliminary round of judging involved a blind taste test for aroma, clarity and taste. Fifteen cities were selected by the judges to compete in the second round of competition as semi-finalists.

A celebrity panel of judges conducted the second round blind taste test involving the 15 semi-finalist cities. Five cities were selected for their achievement in providing great tasting, high quality water to America’s citizens. The finalist cities are: Anaheim (CA); Colorado Springs (CO); Long Beach (CA); St. Louis (MO) and Toledo (OH). The five finalist cities will be advancing to compete at the 75th Annual Meeting of The U.S. Conference of Mayors in Los Angeles June 22-26 for the title of “Best Tasting City Water in America.” Hundreds of mayors from around the nation will then be the blind taste test judges. The winning city will receive a cash award of $15,000 and bragging rights.

Conference of Mayors Executive Director Tom Cochran stated, “Our cities are world leaders in providing high quality water to protect public health, for public safety and fire protection.” Although cities have achieved much success in providing water infrastructure and services in America, we may soon be facing our biggest challenges as population growth, climate change and potential shortages in the near future pose an increasing cost burden.

“While we reward the efforts by cities, this water taste event is also a call for the federal government to partner with us to help cities improve deteriorating infrastructures,” added Cochran.

Local government has always been the primary investor in public water infrastructure, but federal policies for the last two decades have shifted higher costs for sewer and water services to local governments through increased federal mandates. Local government spent $45.6 billion in FY1992 on public sewer and water supply, and $82 billion in FY2005, a 79.7 percent increase. In addition to increasing costs from population growth and land development, there is great anticipation that climate change impacts will require an additional cost premium that is not yet fully understood. Cities cannot be expected to carry all of these costs alone.

Assistant Administrator Ben Grumbles stated, “EPA commends the Nation’s mayors for highlighting one of America’s greatest liquid assets – local tap water. Mayors are on the front lines providing the critical infrastructure and services that ensure the clean, safe, and secure water that are essential to the health and prosperity of our communities.” He further stated that, “Economic and population growth, and the impact of climate change will require even greater efforts to continue the success the U.S. has achieved in protecting the quality of our water resources. EPA is committed to working with our local partners – as well as states, tribes, and the private sector – to develop and deliver the best in technology, innovation, and collaboration to finance and manage truly sustainable water infrastructure systems. Think globally, drink locally.”

The Conference of Mayors thanks Veolia Water North America, the sole corporate sponsor of the 2007 City Water Taste Test. “Everyday, the private sector supports cities and towns across the country in their efforts to provide citizens with the best water services,” said Joe Burgess, Veolia Water North America President and CEO. “We’re delighted to highlight the importance of good quality drinking water.”

This year’s panel of judges included: Tommy Jacomo, Proprietor of The Palm restaurant in Washington (“Where the elite meet to eat.”); Ben Grumbles, Assistant Administrator of Water at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency; and Juliet Eilperin, environment reporter for The Washington Post newspaper.

Ten semi-finalist cities received honorable mention in the competition: Arvada (CO), Beverly Hills (CA), Dubuque (IA), Green Bay (WI), Lansing (MI), Northbrook (IL), Philadelphia (PA), San Jose (CA), Sugar Land (TX), and Tallahassee (FL).